2015 Media Mentions

Failure to Launch Syndrome Can Hurt Household Budgets

By RISMedia | November 20, 2015

Budget-conscious Americans say they are feeling the pinch from the responsibility of providing financial support for adult children, according to a new survey by American Consumer Credit Counseling. Half of those polled during the month of September by ACCC says they are footing at least some of the bills for at least one adult child over the age of 24.

10 Costly Holiday Travel Mistakes You Might Be Guilty of Making

By Charlene Oldham | November 8, 2015

Whether they’re driving to visit family or flying to a tropical island to escape winter weather, many Americans will be traveling over the holidays. A recent survey from Orbitz found that 71 percent of those polled plan to take at least one trip between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and anticipate shelling out $2,195 in holiday travel expenses.

Critical List: Key Financial Steps to Take Before Year End

By Brian O'Connell | November 2, 2015

O.K., it's early November, and there's plenty of time left on the calendar until year-end, right? Maybe, and maybe not - at least when it comes to tidying up your household money matters. You'll need more time than you think to get your financial house in order by December 31, 2015, and the clock is ticking.

What’s Got Consumers Spooked About Halloween Spending?

By PYMNTS | October 30th, 2015

As the scariest day of the year approaches, it looks like budget-conscious consumers have grown weary about more than just the spooky happenings that may take place on Oct. 31; they have actually taken a fearful attitude toward Halloween spending itself.

9 Savings Strategies to Celebrate the Holidays Like a Millionaire

By Valencia Higuera | October 24, 2015

With Cyber Monday, Black Friday and the holidays fast approaching, many people are getting their wallets and bank accounts prepped for the shopping season. About one in four Americans plan to spend $1,000 or more on gifts during the holiday season, according to a 2014 Gallup poll.

6 ways to recover financially after a spending spree

By Matt Alderton | October 14, 2015Shopping till you drop can wear you out and max out your credit cards. Getting back on track after a spending spree takes time, effort and a focus on avoiding the urge to splurge in the future.

10 Signs You’re Not Ready to Retire

By Michelle Smith | October 9, 2015

A lot of people underestimate what they need to do financially, mentally and emotionally to prepare for retirement. But that doesn’t have to be your story. Make sure you’re prepared so you can enjoy your retirement. Here are 10 signs that point to perhaps you’re not ready to retire and need to re-think your retirement strategy plan.

Here's why you won't be taking that big vacation next year

By Brian O'Connell | September 26, 2015

One ironclad rule among the Great American Middle Class is everyone gets a good vacation or two every year. Your parents had them, your grandparents had them and you should be able to shed all that workplace baggage and have a good trip, too, right? Maybe not.

What You Should Do With Your Money Before 2015 Ends

By Cameron Huddleston | September 29, 2015

Do you have money on your mind? If so, you’re not alone. A recent GOBankingRates survey found that one in four Americans think about money more than anything else.

How to improve your credit score by negotiating with creditors

By Paul Sisolak | August 13, 2015

If you’re behind on bill payments, you can find ways to negotiate down your debts. Negotiating through your original creditor can help you dodge collection agencies, get rid of debt and improve your credit score.

12 Money Adjustments You Should Make Mid-Year

By Mikey Rox | Jul 20, 2015

We're already more than halfway through another year — and already in the latter half of the decade (can you believe it!?) — which means fall and winter are right around the corner. As those seasons approach, you'll find yourself back to the grind, taking the kids to school and practices, buying school supplies, preparing for the holidays, and inevitably shelling out bill after bill while you're doing it. To help you best prepare for what's coming, let's take a look at your mid-year finances and find positive ways to improve before 2016.

Mortgage Refinance Hinges on Clearing a Path to Lower Rates

By Brian O'Connell | Jul 13, 2015

NEW YORK (MainStreet) -- The housing market is heating up, and that goes double for homeowners looking to refinance and (hopefully) lock in a lower interest rate. The scuttlebutt among mortgage rate insiders this spring indicated rates would be going up this summer, but as the U.S. inflation rate low (at a rock-bottom 0.0%), rates are still at reasonable levels.

8 Things That Are Becoming Less Affordable for the Middle Class

By Michelle Smith | July 10. 2015

We may think that an ever-advancing, high-tech society means our standard of living is improving. However, many people insist that the present-day quality of life isn’t what it used to be – at least not for the middle class. This is because it doesn’t always matter whether people earn more money than in years past – if it doesn’t have the same proportional buying power, they can feel serious financial strain and become heavily indebted.

Why you need good credit in retirement

By Kristin McGrath | July 6, 2015

For young people, credit goals are clear: Get a card and build credit so you can get good terms on life’s milestones – like car loans and mortgages. If you’re a retiree, though, the road ahead is less defined, especially if the house and car are paid off, you’re downsizing and there’s no need to acquire more credit.

Avoid these 7 summer credit mistakes

By Dawn Papandrea | June 29, 2015

“We tend to be more lax over the summer,” says Mike Brady, president of Generosity Wealth Management in Boulder, Colorado. If you're not careful, you might undo the good financial habits you've been following the rest of the year in just a couple of months.

How families can use summer to teach kids about money

By Jeff Wuorio | June 21, 2015

Summertime, and school is out. Or is it? While social studies and Spanish may be shelved for a few months, the summer offers a terrific opportunity to teach your children some valuable financial smarts as they bring some income from a seasonal job.

HOW TO HAVE A BUDGET FRIENDLY FATHER’S DAY THAT DAD WILL LOVE

By Brian O'Connell | June 19, 2015

NEW YORK (TheStreet) — Since dads are notorious for wanting costs kept low even on big days such as their birthday and Father's Day, some family members are getting ahead of the issue. They're planning fun but budget-friendly Father's Days this year, and they think dad will be really happy about it.

Late Payment Consequences: What Happens When You Miss a Mortgage or Car Loan Bill?

By Ellen Chang | June 10, 2015

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Consumers who are facing delinquent car or mortgage payments should start by negotiating with their lender instead of ignoring the problem. Dealing with the lenders head-on when you know a late payment is imminent will help you in the long-run, because they will be more willing to work with you and offer a variety of payment options.

Life Skills 101: The Case For Teaching Dollars And Sense In All Mass. Classrooms

By Steve Trumble | May 20, 2015

Here’s something that might shock you: Massachusetts is an abysmal failure when it comes to literacy in primary and secondary education. I refer to financial literacy: budgeting, understanding debt and knowing the value of a dollar. In other words, learning early on how to live within ones means, the better to enjoy self-sufficiency throughout adulthood.

How Schools Can Improve Their Personal Finance Education

By Sheiresa Ngo | April 09, 2015

Are high schools doing enough to provide a solid financial education? That answer might depend largely on state and school requirements, but some financial education experts say schools could do better. The lack of a standard personal finance curriculum in America’s classrooms has been a hot topic for quite a while.

What did people do with the money they saved on gas?

By Eden Shulman | March 20, 2015

Gas prices have fallen 33 percent in the past year, down to an average of $2.39 last week. What are consumers doing with those savings? Well, according to a recent poll by American Consumer Credit Counseling, pretty much the same things they always spend money on.

Wedding costs are at an all-time high

By Kimberly Gedeon | March 17, 2015

Aah, weddings. A night full of love, laughter, and the sanctity of matrimony — that you just might be paying for the rest of your lawfully wedded life. The costs of tying the knot has skyrocketed to an all-time high of $31,213, CNBC reports.

Financial infidelity can hurt a relationship

By Roxie Rodgers Dinstel | March 15, 2015

Are you always honest with your partner about money? Or do you have a bank account, extra credit card or a big debt you haven’t come clean about? More than half of Americans have kept a financial secret from their partners according to a recent survey from the American Consumer Credit Counseling.

Supporting adult children can jeopardize boomers’ retirements

By Carol Hymowitz | March 11, 2015

Financial advisers say that if parents have money left over each month, they should be maxing out their contributions to 401(k) plans or paying down mortgages or other debt.

Planning for a Debt Free Retirement

By Brian O'Connell | Mar 11, 2015

Too many of us are retiring before we get to retire our debt. "Americans are nearing retirement or living in retirement while carrying greater amounts of mortgage debt, student loans or credit card balances," TIAA-CREF says. "If you're nearing retirement and still paying down debt, how should you plan to juggle both?"

Financial infidelity in a relationship

By Natalie Rutledge | February 13, 2015

Fifty percent of Americans have lied to their partners about money, according to recent survey from American Consumer Credit Counseling. As thousands of couples prepare to pledge their love to one another over the Valentine's Day weekend, this poll shows half of them have taken part in financial infidelity.

Paying off debt tops financial priorities list

By Marlene Y. Satter | February 06, 2015

When it comes to their finances, putting aside funds for retirement is way down the list for Americans in 2015. According to a poll from American Consumer Credit Counseling, the top financial priority this year for most of the country is to pay off debt.

7 Times When to Put Yourself in Credit Card Timeout

By CreditCards.com | January 15, 2015

Credit card debt doesn't take long to spiral out of control (thanks a lot, compound interest!), and that's under normal circumstances. When you add financial milestones and other life situations to the mix, there are periods when it makes sense to give plastic a timeout.

5 Ways You're Gambling With Your Money

By Geoff Williams | Jan. 14, 2015

You don't have to play the lottery or go to Vegas to lose your shirt. Consumers make risky bets with their money all the time. In fact, you may be a gambler and not even know it. Here are just a few ways you may be playing a game of chance with your money.